We are pumped to share one of our favorite stories from Self here on FitSugar! The snow has finally melted, but are you ready to embrace your favorite short shorts? If a newfound muffin top is making you wary of ditching your cozy Winter layers, rest

Exercises to Get Rid of a Muffin Top Side Bends Stand with your feet hip distance apart, arms at your sides. As you reach down toward your toes with one arm, lift the other one up toward your waist, placing your hand on your hip (above). Alternate sides with one arm up, one arm down. Do 100 reps.

I learned this from a physical therapist years ago. She said it's the BEST way to strengthen your stomach muscles. And WHY do you want strong abdominal muscles? They hold your organs into place; they help create good posture. Why does good posture matter? Because poor, slumped posture causes pain. This 'suck it in' movement doesn't shorten the abdominals as sit-ups do. It helps them be long and strong and that's what we want--long, strong muscles.